This is the official blog of The OC Gazette, Orange County's "Everything local" Magazine. Within the following pages you'll find insights into the nooks and crannies of all the things our local culture has to offer. Enjoy, friends.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Just got this press release about the Elite Surf Photography Awards Ceremony put on by the Follow The Light Foundation. Wanted to repost it here because it's always amazing and this year it'll be going on down at the US Open of Surfing in HB for all to enjoy! Check it out:ELITE SURF PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS CEREMONY TO BE HELD DURING 2010 US OPEN OF SURFING

Dana Point, CA (June 24, 2010) – Follow the Light Foundation (“FTFL”), the organization that hosts the action sports industry’s most prestigious surf photography awards, today announced a new format, ceremony, and location. This year’s program will take place at the Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach, Tuesday August 3, 2010 from 7pm-9:00pm in conjunction with the week-long US Open of Surfing calendar of events.

“Relocating the Follow the Light Awards to Huntington Beach during the US Open of Surfing will allow both the world’s best surfers and the global surfing media to participate. This is an incredibly exciting move,” commented Bob Hurley. “Larry Moore had a vision that included inspiring and elevating young talent. The US Open draws more than 500,000 people and is a perfect platform to showcase artist’s work and put a renewed focus on FTFL.”

This year marks a significantly unique change to FTFL’s call for entries submissions guidelines. FTFL added a digital audio and video element to the submissions to allow even broader expression from the artists. The idea for evolving the format of the awards ceremony came from world renown action sports and lifestyle photographer Aaron Chang. “Advances in digital equipment and the sophistication of artists have given surf photography and imaging new ground to break,” Chang said. “FTFL sees this as an outstanding opportunity to use a new medium to showcase another dimension of the artist’s talent, while also exposing our finalists not only to industry decision-makers but to the general public as well.”

This year, FTFL is increasing the grand prize winner’s stipend to $5,000, while also awarding 2nd thru 5th place finalists with $1,000 each. There will also be an onsite “People’s Choice” voting format and award during the evening’s festivities. The 2010 event’s presenting sponsor is SWELL, with supporting sponsors Hurley, Oakley, SURFING Magazine and Surfline.

Stacy Clark, CEO of SWELL added, “ For the last three years, it has been SWELL’s honor to sponsor the prestigious FTFL awards. We are excited to be involved in the process of discovering new talent and proud to support the next generation of surf photographers!”

“Over the past several years, the foundation has recognized some of the best up-and-coming talent in the industry such as Chris Burkhard, Matthew Clark, Todd Glaser, and Ray Collins.” commented Candace Moore, Founder, FTFL. “We felt it was time to expand the recognition of these artists by inviting surf photography fans and consumers to join in the celebration!”

The first 200 general admission registrants are free of charge. Please register on a first-come basis on Facebook on Follow the Light’s page.

ABOUT FOLLOW THE LIGHT FOUNDATION:

On October 10, 2005, the surfing community lost one of its most influential figures, Larry “Flame” Moore. After a three-year battle with brain cancer, “Flame,” the Photo Editor of SURFING Magazine for 30 years, passed. He left behind a legacy of brilliant photography and an army of photographers trained by him. Through his work at SURFING, Larry literally shaped the “look” of three decades of surfing. Today, honoring Larry’s request, we have established Follow the Light Foundation (FTFL), an organization that will help finance the dreams of surf photographers, pushing the sport and its lensmen forward. For more information on FTFL, go to www.followthelightfoundation.org.

Visit The OC Gazette Mothership... err Website.

Search The OC Gazette Blog

Subscribe To Our Blog!

About The OC Gazette Magazine

The OC Gazette is a free local Orange County, CA magazine that reaches 100,000 homes. We're dedicated to music, art, entertainment, community, people - in short, everything local. Visit our website at www.theocgazette.com, and look for The OC Gazette magazine on newstands or in your mailbox. This blog is dedicated to all the things concerning Orange County, and features things that we couldn't fit in the magazine, be they notes, thoughts, reader feedback, or local happenings. So check back often for updates!
Note: these are opinions, not facts. Enjoy, friends.